“And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;)”
King James Version (KJV)
12:1 Were come - Rehoboam did not call them thither, but wentthither, because the Israelites prevented him, and had pitched uponthat place, rather than upon Jerusalem, because it was most convenientfor all, being in the center of the kingdom; and because that being in thepotent tribe of Ephraim, they supposed there they might use that freedomof speech, which they resolved to use, to get there grievances redressed.So out of a thousand wives and concubines, he had but one son to bear hisname, and he a fool! Is not sin an ill way of building up a family?
12:3 They sent - When the people sent him word of Solomon's death,they also sent a summons for him to come to Shechem. That the presenceand countenance of a man of so great interest and reputation, might laythe greater obligation upon Rehoboam to grant them ease and relief.
12:4 Grievous - By heavy taxes and impositions, not only for the templeand his magnificent buildings, but for the expenses of his numerous court,and of so many wives and concubines. And Solomon having so grosslyforsaken God, it is no wonder if he oppressed the people.